Estrogen cream is one option among many in hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy is offered to menopausal and post-menopausal women when their estrogen levels naturally decline; the use of the cream increases production of estrogen. When estrogen levels drop, women suffer from erratic periods, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, irritability, mood swings, increased body fat and thinning hair. There are alternatives to estrogen creams that can help balance a woman's estrogen levels naturally.
Estrogen Cream Usage
In "Smart Medicine for Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy and Its Natural Alternatives," Dr. Sandra Cabot explains that estrogen creams are used to elevate decreased estrogen levels in menopausal women. The creams are inserted into your vagina with a special applicator, so that the medication can be placed deep into the vaginal canal. The cream is used right after emptying your bladder and just before you go to sleep at night. The cream is then absorbed by the vaginal lining and distributed into your blood stream to help increase your estrogen levels and diminish the symptoms associated with menopause. Often times, the medication is coupled with a 12-day course of progesterone tablets every three months to prevent the excessive production of estrogen.
Licorice
In "The Estrogen Alternative: A Guide to Natural Hormonal Balance," Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung explain that licorice will help to regulate estrogen levels. Licorice is adaptogenic and helps your body regulate imbalances. If your estrogen levels are too high, licorice consumption reduces estrogen levels. If they are too low, consuming licorice can increase your estrogen levels. Take 1 to 5g of licorice; boil it in a cup of hot water for 15 minutes. Consume the beverage three times daily to balance your estrogen levels, or take 250 to 500 mg capsules of licorice three times a day.
Side effects of licorice consumption include muscular pain in your limbs and numbness in your extremities. The herb is not recommended for people with kidney issues, heart complications, liver conditions, diabetes or those who are obese. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume the herb without a doctor's consent, and you should not use this product for longer than six weeks. Licorice may interfere with diuretics, ACE inhibitors, aspirin, diogoxin, corticosteroids, insulin, laxatives and oral contraceptives.
Black Cohosh
Martin and Judi Gerstung also explain that black cohosh helps to balance out irregular estrogen levels. Black cohosh has glycosides as well as isoferulic acids that offer anti-inflammatory agents. The herb also contains phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogens, which help to regulate your estrogen levels. Consume 40 to 80 mg of black cohosh daily in capsule form, or use black cohosh tincture by mixing 2 to 4 ml of the tincture in a cup of water to make a tea.
Some side effects associated with the use of black cohosh include joint pains, nausea, a reduced heart rate, the onset of tremors, visual difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo and headaches. Women that have a history of breast or uterine cancer should not use this herb, and this herb should be avoided by individuals with existing liver conditions since liver toxicity has been reported in some individuals after using black cohosh. Pregnant women cannot use this herb; it stimulates uterine contractions which can lead to a miscarriage, and breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb.
Turmeric
In "The Estrogen Decision: Self Help Book," Dr. Susan Lark explains that turmeric is excellent for promoting liver health, and your liver health is important to the regulation of estrogen in your body. Your liver breaks down excessive amounts of estrogen and expels excessive estrogen levels from the body. Consume 400 to 600 mg of turmeric in capsule form three times a day to promote healthy liver functioning, or consume 30 to 90 drops of turmeric extract daily.
Excessive amounts of turmeric over a long period of time can cause gastrointestinal difficulties and ulcers. Turmeric can reduce blood sugar levels when it is combined with certain diabetic medications, so consultation with a doctor before using turmeric is advised if you have diabetes. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use this herb.
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